Mr. Rice's litigation practice includes representing insurers in declaratory judgment and bad faith actions throughout the Midwest, primarily in Illinois and Missouri. He handles all phases of coverage litigation, from the initial pleadings and discovery through dispositive motions and trial. His philosophy on litigation is a simple one: to vigorously represent his clients in the most effective and efficient means possible. While there will always be cases in which litigation is required, Mr. Rice also recognizes that sometimes the best resolutions are the ones reached outside the courtroom. This is why he prides himself on keeping his clients well-informed throughout the litigation process.

In addition to litigating cases, Mr. Rice dedicates a substantial portion of his practice to advising his clients on their coverage obligations and potential exposure for first-party and third-party claims. He also provides coverage assistance for clients in pre-litigation settlement conferences and mediations.

Mr. Rice's commitment to the insurance industry extends beyond the courtroom. He is a member of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Associate Board of Directors, Midwest Division. The IICF is a national organization committed to helping communities and enriches lives by combining the collective strengths of the insurance industry to provide grants, volunteer service, and leadership.

Professional Background

Before joining Hinshaw in 2007, Mr. Rice represented insurance companies in coverage disputes at the law firm of Stellato & Schwartz, Ltd. His practice included insurance coverage litigation and appeals.

Professional Affiliations

Honors & Awards

Recognized as a "Rising Star" by Illinois Super LawyersMagazine, 2014-2018

Recognized as an "Illinois Emerging Lawyer" by Leading Lawyers Magazine, 2015-2017

Representative Matters

Mr. Rice has represented insurers in matters involving a wide-variety of coverage issues. The following is a representative sample of some of the types of matters he is routinely involved in:

Prosecuted a declaratory judgment action on behalf of a commercial auto insurer to seek a finding that client had no duty to defend or indemnify five putative insureds in four underlying personal injury lawsuits arising out of a commercial bus accident

Tried case involving late notice coverage defense under a homeowners policy for personal injury claim; judgement entered in favor of client with finding that insurer owed no coverage for $450,000 judgment entered in underlying lawsuit